President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, along with 37 Commissioners representing Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The ceremony took place at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja at approximately 4:48 PM.
Mrs. Omidiran, 59, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives from Osun State (2011-2019), succeeds Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure was marked by controversy.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University and brings extensive experience in legislative affairs and sports administration, including serving as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, and Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee.
President Tinubu appointed Mrs. Omidiran on August 11, 2025, following a reversal of the initial reappointment of the previous chairman, and her nomination was confirmed by the Senate on November 27, 2025.
The President also appointed Mohammed Musa as the Secretary of the Commission. Among the sworn-in Commissioners are several renewed and retained appointments, including Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla (Lagos), and Kayode Oladele (Ogun). The newly appointed Commissioners include Hon. Obina Oriaku (Abia), Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa).
Obongawan Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Hon. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi), Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue), Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta), Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi), Hon. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo), Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Peter Eze (Enugu), Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe), Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna).
Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano), Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger), Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye (Oyo), Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba), Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara), and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).
The Federal Character Commission, established under Act No. 34 of 1996 and enshrined in Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is tasked with promoting, monitoring, and enforcing compliance with the principles of proportional sharing of all bureaucratic, economic, media, and political posts at all levels of government.
It ensures the equitable distribution of public posts and socio-economic amenities among the federating units of Nigeria.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, among other senior government officials.
This administration remains committed to upholding the federal character principle to foster national unity, fairness, and inclusive development across all regions of Nigeria.